Interpreting Parables and Prophecies, Part III (Religion)

by Balance_Maintained , U.S.A., Thursday, January 17, 2013, 23:08 (4110 days ago) @ Balance_Maintained

David Turrel, in a recent post, commented on the nature of a concealed God and how it necessitated faith. In that, he is absolutely correct. Ironically, as mentioned in the first post of this thread, the Bible agrees with him and states that it is intentional. -There were some other warnings though, throughout the bible, that help define the methodology we use when interpreting it. -James 2:20 tells us that faith without works is dead, and he too is also correct.-John 17:3 Jesus said, "This means everlasting life, their taking in knowledge of you(YHWH) and the one whom you sent forth." -Matt 11:25 At that time Jesus said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.-Proverbs 3:5&6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.-Proverbs 6:6 Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise-Romans 1:20 For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse-Hebrews 11:3 By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.-When interpreting the bible, and also other things, this gives some interesting criteria. -1) It is not enough to have faith in something, you must actively work to understand it. This is supposed to be one of the fundamental tenets of science as well.-2) Taking in knowledge of God is important, very important. Since it is also reasonable to say that God can be found in all of creation, then taking in knowledge of his creation is also important!(Wouldn't scientist be ashamed to know that they are fulfilling a biblical mandate? It just makes me giggle)-3) Do not lean upon your own understanding! This one is key, and the one most often left out. Human beings are remarkably imaginative, but also incredibly arrogant and biased. By warning us to not lean on our own understanding, we are being warned against letting our personal desires and biases influence our interpretation, not just of the Bible, but of all creation. (Chalk another one up for science :P)-4) Traits of God are seen in creation; if you want to learn about him, study his creation as well. (That is 3 mandates science follows unknowingly)--Essentially, all of this gives a couple of broad imperatives:-The Bible can not contradict itself. As in science, contradictions represent an inaccurate understanding of the data set. -The bible interprets itself, if you are patient enough to look.-Science can not contradict the bible, or vice versa. If there is a contradiction, then our understanding of one or the other is flawed. -Science that attempts to exclude God from their equations will naturally be proven inaccurate over time. -Faith is "assured" expectation. In order to build faith in the trustworthiness of the source, diligent effort must be made to vet the data and confirm the accuracy of all information that has been presented. In the case of prophecies, all that have already occurred should be diligently vetted and acknowledged.-
A healthy skepticism is one that makes you ask questions AND dig for answers. Questioning without searching for the truth is not skepticism, it is willful ignorance.

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What is the purpose of living? How about, 'to reduce needless suffering. It seems to me to be a worthy purpose.